TCU Might Not Join Big East Football After All; Impact On UConn

CHRISTOPHER KEATING

In the fast-changing world of college football, it looks like the TCU football powerhouse might not be coming to the Big East Conference after all.

The Big East had been waiting for TCU's arrival to shore up the football conference, but now the University of Pittsburgh and Syracuse have agreed to bolt from the conference. As such, TCU - which won the Rose Bowl - is thinking twice about moving to a weakened football conference and instead has an invitation to join the Big 12.

The Big East is considering other options, such as Navy, Air Force and Army. But the loss of perennial football powers could result in the Big East losing its status as BCS conference.

The shifting landscape will only reinforce UConn's pursuit of a slot in the ACC. While UConn officials have publicly expressed support for the Big East, sources have said the school is interested in the ACC.

"Obviously it's a conference issue," UConn Coach Paul Pasqualoni said on a weekly conference call. "I'm confident that the leadership of the Big East will do whatever and everything they can in the best interest of the Big East. TCU is certainly a very quality program. They would have brought a top 20, top 25, top 10 caliber of football team to the conference, no question, but this realignment of conferences is part of it right now, and I'm sure in the Big East we'll do everything we can do to move forward in the Big East."